The Second Epistle to the Corinthians

1. 2 Cor 11:1,2 – “Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” This section is a vindication of claims by false teachers against Paul’s apostolic position. And what is the basis of this criticism? Paul’s boasting. 2 Cor 10:2-4 - I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds); To what foolishness is Paul referring? Can you remember a time in which you responded in this manner? The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 1 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel

2. And how is this perceived? And perception is everything isn’t it? 2 Cor 11:16 - I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but if ye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little. Here, Paul is asking the body to bear with him (be patient). What is jealousy? In the Greek implies ardent love and/or an apprehension of departure. In the flesh jealousy can be a very bad thing. Then what is a godly jealousy? That same love but now with God as the source – unequivocal, everlasting. Manifested as being espoused to one husband as a pure virgin to Christ. As reflected for the bride of the high priest in Israel. Lev 21:4 - A widow, or one divorced, or a profane woman, a harlot, these shall he not take: but a virgin of his own people shall he take to wife. As an apostle, Paul sensed his responsibly to educate and present the church in truth and purity as a bride unto Christ (betrothal) – notice one husband! The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 2 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel

3. Does this smell at all like works? Let’s look at Eph 5:27-32. 2 Cor 11:3 – “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” Why does Eve get mentioned here? Don’t forget verse 2! Paul fears the impact of the devil on the church at Corinth, and fails to state how his craftiness (motivated by false wisdom) will be implemented. And as in the garden his ways are so often crafty (subtle). Notice where this influence is manifested. Do we need Satan, as referred to here (Gen 3:1-11) to corrupt our minds? Minds! How would you interpret simplicity here? It’s anything but subtle isn’t it! The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 3 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel

4. 2 Cor 11:4 – “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” What examples can you think of preaching another Jesus? And this all relates to a different spirit, … or a different gospel, …. Gal 1:6-8 - I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema. How should we interpret ye do well to bear with him. In the Interlinear Greek – you bear this beautifully. This can’t mean to accept this false doctrine, can it? The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 4 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel

5. When we stand in truth, in Christ, we listen to what is being said and determine its worth or more accurately the lack thereof. Do we then respond? 2 Cor 11:5 – “For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.” Could this have been perceived as more boasting? The interpretation all relates to whom ‘I’ refers. consider in the Interlinear Greek is suppose. Could also be translated as reckon. What credibility does Paul imply here? miracles, labors, teachings, sermons. Most eminent apostles Peter, James, John – Gal 2:9 2 Cor 11:6 – “Even though I am untrained (rude) in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 5 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel

6. thoroughly manifested among you in all things.” What do you make of Paul’s being untrained or rude in speech? Is this language, translation, public speaking style, formal education or something else? Rude - Trump-like? 1 Cor 2:1-4 - And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony[fn] of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, Could this be his thorn in the flesh? In what knowledge does he have confidence? Likely doctrine, but whatever, this has been manifested among them in all things. Acts 20:27 - “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Now the church must be Spirit-led to interpret and by faith abide and apply. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 6 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel

7. 2 Cor 11:7,8 – “Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.” We have here an abrupt transition form the previous verses. Do you think this is related to the doctrine to which he just spoke? Is Paul really asking himself here did he commit sin (offense) in not charging them for his preaching or is this statement ironic? In this process he states that he also humbled (abased) himself – again the source? True humility is never self-imposed. Notice, however, the sacrificial manner in which he preached to them. What churches? How do interpret robbed (despoil), again ironic (sarcastic)? The churches in Macedonia, likely Philippi and Thessalonica, were poor and that in Corinth was rich. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor 11:1-8 - Christ Life & Ministry Manifests Itself to Others: Part 1 7 Oct 22, 2017 Bob Eckel